{
  "abstract": "Background: Benzene (BZ) is a well-established hematotoxicant, and cigarette smoke (CS) is a major non-occupational source of BZ exposure. Although BZ and CS co-exposure commonly occurs in real-world settings, the mechanisms underlying their combined toxicity remain unclear. Objective: This study investigated whether BZ and CS co-exposure aggravates hematotoxicity and explored the potential involvement of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor AhR-NLRP3 signaling pathway. Methods: Sixty male Balb/c mice were divided into six groups: CON, BZ, CS, BZ + CS, BZ + CS + CH223191 (AhR inhibitor), and BZ + CS + MCC950 (NLRP3 inhibitor), and subjected to an 8-week sub-chronic exposure protocol. Peripheral blood parameters, bone marrow histopathology, AhR–NLRP3 signaling pathway-related protein expression, and circulating inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18) were evaluated. Longitudinal outcomes and benzene × cigarette smoke interactions were analyzed using statistical models appropriate to the experimental design. Results: BZ and CS co-exposure produced more pronounced hematological alterations than either exposure alone and was accompanied by aggravated bone marrow injury. Formal factorial analysis revealed significant benzene × cigarette smoke interactions for RBC and HGB, with interaction contrasts indicating greater-than-additive reductions. In contrast, no significant interactions were detected for WBC, NEUT, or PLT. Co-exposure also upregulated AhR, NLRP3, and cleaved caspase-1 (p20), and elevated circulating IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18. Significant benzene × cigarette smoke interactions were observed for all three cytokines, with interaction contrasts indicating greater-than-additive increases. Pharmacological inhibition of AhR or NLRP3 attenuated hematological alterations, inflammatory cytokine elevations, and pathway-related changes. Conclusions: BZ and CS co-exposure aggravates hematotoxicity, and AhR–NLRP3-related signaling may be involved in this process.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250062, China",
    "Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250062, China; Corresponding authors.",
    "Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, China; Corresponding authors."
  ],
  "article_type": "research article",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 8,
  "authors": [
    {
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        0
      ],
      "name": "Liya Han"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Baoyan Liu"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Ziyang Xu"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Xiaohan Yang"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Qiong Ning"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Qiang Jia"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        1
      ],
      "name": "Jin He"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        2
      ],
      "name": "Yong Wang"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/433844ynca3bv.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.1016/j.toxrep.2026.102361",
  "fulltext_url": "http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214750026001630",
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  "landing_url": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2026.102361",
  "language": "en",
  "licence": "CC-BY-NC-ND",
  "licence_label": "CC BY-NC-ND",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
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      "RA1190-1270"
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      "openalex",
      "2403|Immunotoxicology and immune responses"
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  "pdf_url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214750026001630/pdf",
  "pmcid": "PMC13720995",
  "pmid": "42965009",
  "published": "2026-10-22",
  "publisher": "Elsevier",
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/433844ynca3bv.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-10-30T13:44:58Z",
      "native_id": "c565ea13eafe4cb295992b94e012b790",
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      "url": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2026.102361"
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    {
      "first_seen": "2026-10-31T12:21:37Z",
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  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "biology",
      "origin": "openalex:2403|Immunotoxicology and immune responses",
      "subfield": "immunology"
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  "title": "Benzene and cigarette smoke co-exposure exacerbates hematotoxicity involving the AhR–NLRP3 signaling pathway",
  "title_text": "Benzene and cigarette smoke co-exposure exacerbates hematotoxicity involving the AhR–NLRP3 signaling pathway",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-11-03T12:21:45Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/433844ynca3bv",
  "venue": "Toxicology Reports",
  "versions": []
}